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10 Important Facts About Lice in Tagalog (Kuto) You Should Know Today

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Lice in Tagalog is called kuto. Many Filipino families are familiar with this term because head lice are common among children, especially in school settings. Learning the translation of lice in Tagalog not only builds vocabulary but also helps parents and students better understand conversations about hygiene and health.

I still remember my elementary school days when teachers would gently remind us to check our hair for kuto. It wasn’t something to be embarrassed about—it was simply part of growing up. Many children experience head lice at some point, especially in school where close contact is common. In the Philippines, hearing the word kuto during routine school checks is very normal.

In today’s lesson, we’ll explore simple and helpful facts about lice, understand how they spread, and clearly learn how to say lice in Tagalog—kuto—while building easy vocabulary for everyday use.


How to Say Lice in Tagalog

Lice – Kuto
Pronunciation: Ku-to

The Tagalog word for lice is kuto. It refers to tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed on small amounts of human blood. Head lice are very common among school-aged children and spread easily through close contact.

Definition:

Kuto is the common name in Tagalog and Filipino for small, wingless parasitic insects that live in human hair. They attach to the scalp, where they feed and lay eggs called lisa (nits). Although they can cause itching and discomfort, lice do not usually spread serious diseases. With proper hygiene and treatment, they can be safely removed.


10 Facts About Lice (Kuto)

Lice, or kuto in Tagalog, are tiny insects that many children and families encounter at some point. Although they are small, there are many interesting and important facts to learn about them. Understanding how lice live, spread, and survive can help reduce fear and embarrassment. When people are informed, they can handle lice calmly and properly.

Here are ten simple and helpful facts about lice:

  1. Kuto are very small insects.
    Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed.
  2. They cannot fly or jump.
    Unlike fleas, lice only crawl.
  3. They have six strong legs.
    Their claws help them grip hair tightly.
  4. They lay tiny eggs called nits.
    Nits stick firmly to hair strands near the scalp.
  5. They feed on small amounts of blood.
    This is why the scalp may feel itchy.
  6. They prefer warm environments.
    The human head provides warmth and shelter.
  7. They spread easily in schools.
    Close contact during play helps them transfer.
  8. They do not mean poor hygiene.
    Anyone can get lice, regardless of cleanliness.
  9. They cannot live long without a host.
    Lice usually die within 1–2 days off the scalp.
  10. They are treatable and manageable.
    With proper combing and treatment, lice can be removed safely.

Learning these facts helps us understand that lice are common and manageable. There is no need for shame or panic. With the right knowledge, proper hygiene, and correct treatment, families can handle lice confidently and safely. Education and awareness are the best tools for prevention and care.


Lice Vocabulary Words in Tagalog

Below is a related vocabulary chart connected to the Tagalog word kuto and other lice-related terms.

#EnglishTagalog
1LiceKuto
2HeadUlo
3ScalpAnit
4HairBuhok
5NitLisa
6EggItlog
7ItchKati
8CombSuyod
9ShampooShampoo
10InsectInsekto
11ParasiteParasito
12BloodDugo
13SchoolPaaralan
14ChildBata
15CleanMalinis
16DirtyMarumi
17CrawlGumapang
18SpreadKumalat
19TreatmentGamot
20HygieneKalinisan

These vocabulary words help you better understand how kuto is used in different contexts. By learning these related terms, you can describe lice, their behavior, and proper treatment more clearly in Filipino. Expanding this health-related vocabulary improves both comprehension and everyday conversation skills.


Example Sentences Using “Lice” in Tagalog

Learning through example sentences is one of the easiest ways to remember new vocabulary. By reading and repeating simple sentences, you can understand how the word kuto (lice) is used in everyday conversation. These examples are short, clear, and beginner-friendly, making them perfect for children, students, and language learners.

Try reading each sentence out loud to practice pronunciation and improve memory.

  1. Ang kuto ay nakatira sa anit ng tao.
    Lice live on a person’s scalp.
  2. Ang kuto ay maliit ngunit mabilis dumami.
    Lice are small but multiply quickly.
  3. Ang kuto ay nangingitlog sa buhok.
    Lice lay eggs on hair strands.
  4. Maaaring mangati ang ulo kapag may kuto.
    The head may itch when there are lice.
  5. Ang kuto ay walang pakpak at hindi lumilipad.
    Lice have no wings and cannot fly.
  6. Ang kuto ay gumagapang lamang sa buhok.
    Lice only crawl on hair.
  7. Madaling kumalat ang kuto sa paaralan.
    Lice can easily spread in school.
  8. Gumamit ng suyod para alisin ang kuto.
    Use a lice comb to remove lice.
  9. Ang lisa ay itlog ng kuto.
    A nit is the egg of a louse.
  10. Hindi dapat ikahiya ang pagkakaroon ng kuto.
    Having lice should not be a source of shame.

By practicing these ten sentences, learners can better understand how kuto is used in real-life situations. Simple repetition helps improve vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence structure.

Most importantly, these examples also teach awareness and proper care. Learning about lice in Tagalog not only builds language skills but also promotes cleanliness, confidence, and good hygiene habits.


What Are Lice?

Lice are tiny parasitic insects that live on humans. The most common type is head lice, scientifically known as Pediculus humanus capitis. They survive by feeding on small amounts of blood from the scalp.

Lice:

  • Do not fly
  • Do not jump
  • Crawl quickly from one hair strand to another
  • Spread mainly through head-to-head contact

They are common in schools and households where children play closely together.


Lice Body Parts (Anatomy)

Lice are insects and have three main body sections:

Head (Ulo)

  • Small mouthparts for feeding
  • Short antennae
  • Adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood

Thorax (Dibdib)

  • Middle body section
  • Six strong legs
  • Hook-like claws to grip hair strands tightly

Abdomen (Tiyan)

  • Largest body segment
  • Contains digestive and reproductive organs

Female kuto lay tiny oval eggs called nits, which stick firmly to hair shafts near the scalp. These eggs hatch in about 7–10 days.


Lice in the Philippines

In the Philippines, kuto is a common concern among school-aged children. Warm and humid weather can make it easier for lice to survive.

It is important to remember:

  • Having lice does not mean a person is dirty.
  • Lice can affect anyone.
  • Proper treatment and combing can remove them safely.

Many Filipino families use fine-tooth lice combs (suyod) and medicated shampoos to treat infestations.


How Do Lice Spread?

Lice spread mainly through:

  • Head-to-head contact
  • Sharing combs, hairbrushes, or hair accessories
  • Sharing hats, pillows, or towels

They cannot survive long away from the human scalp. Without a host, lice usually die within 1–2 days.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is lice in Tagalog?

Lice in Tagalog is called kuto.

Are lice dangerous?

Lice are not usually dangerous, but they can cause itching and scalp irritation.

Can lice jump or fly?

No. Lice cannot jump or fly. They only crawl.

How do I remove lice?

You can remove lice using medicated shampoo and a fine-tooth lice comb.

Are lice common in the Philippines?

Yes. Lice are common, especially among school children.


Final Thoughts on Lice in Tagalog

Learning the word lice in Tagalog, which is kuto, helps expand vocabulary while understanding an important health topic. Although lice can be uncomfortable and itchy, they are common and treatable. With proper care, hygiene, and patience, families can manage and prevent lice effectively.

Understanding kuto not only builds language skills but also promotes awareness, cleanliness, and confidence—especially for children growing up in schools and communities across the Philippines.

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